Credentials Office

Welcome to the Credentials Office at Pacific Oaks College. We are committed to supporting you in your journey to obtain your California Preliminary Teaching Credential. We encourage you to use this website as a resource and invite you to contact us to discuss your credential objectives in more detail.

Our services include:

processing student teaching (directed teaching) applications and verifying eligibility;
obtaining student teaching (directed teaching) placements for credential candidates;
evaluating credential progress and recommending candidates for preliminary teaching and intern credentials;
providing prospective and current credential candidates with advisement relating to credential requirements;
planning information sessions for prospective credential candidates and orientations for newly admitted credential candidates;
organizing events and activities for credential candidate outreach and recruitment;
administering and managing Teaching Performance Assessments (CalTPA) for the College;
organizing credential test preparation workshops;
providing mentor teachers with initial orientation to the program curriculum; and
coordinating student teaching and intern orientations.

Please note: AB2086 requires access to public information on the measures of the quality of California teacher preparation programs as it relates to license examination pass rates of completers in the most recent year and linked to the CCTC website. To comply with this requirement, Pacific Oaks College pass rate data can be viewed via the CTC dashboard. The most current Annual Report for the state can be found here.

Contact

Pacific Oaks College
45 Eureka Street
Pasadena, CA 91103

Nawara Shamshad
Credential Analyst

Please email for additional information or questions
[email protected]

Teacher Credentialing Programs

The School of Education offers preliminary multiple subject and education specialist teaching credentials. To review the curriculum and credential requirements for each of our teacher credentialing programs, please click on the links below. For information on how to apply, please contact the Admissions Team.

Current Advising Guides

B.A. Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education

(Includes preparation for the Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential)

B.A. Early Childhood Education: Elementary Education and Special Education

(Includes preparation for the Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate Support Needs)

M.A. Education: Special Education

(Includes preparation for the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate Support Needs)

M.A. Education: Elementary Education

(Includes preparation for the Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential)

Preliminary Education Specialist Credential

(Non-degree seeking option includes preparation for the Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate Support Needs)

Preliminary Multiple Subjects Credential

(Non-degree seeking option includes preparation for the Preliminary Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential)

California Teaching Performance Assessment

As of July 2008, California statute (Chap. 517, Stats. 2006) requires all teacher candidates for a preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Teaching Credential to pass an assessment of their teaching performance with K-12 public school students as part of the requirements for earning a teaching credential. As of July 1, 2022, the Education Specialist Credential was added to this list of credentials requiring passage of the Teaching Performance Assessment for the requirement of earning the Preliminary Credential. This assessment of teaching performance is designed to measure the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and ability with relation to California's Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs), including demonstrating his or her ability to appropriately instruct all K-12 students in the Student Academic Content Standards. All candidates who start a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved multiple subjects, single subject, and education specialist teacher preparation program, must meet the teaching performance assessment requirement.

The CalTPA is structured around two instructional cycles based on the pedagogical sequence of plan, teach and assess, reflect, and apply. Candidates are expected to respond to the instructional cycles within the context of their teaching assignments; therefore, both CalTPA Cycles should be completed during directed teaching while a traditional student teacher, a teacher, or a University Intern.

Teacher candidates must register for each CalTPA Cycle during their directed teaching seminar courses:

CalTPA Cycle	Course
CalTPA Instructional Cycle 1: Learning About Students and Planning Instruction	ED 700, SPED 391, ED 393, SPED 591, ED 593
CalTPA Instructional Cycle 2: Assessment-Driven Instruction	ED 701, SPED 392, ED 394, SPED 592, ED 594

CalTPA General Information
There are two CalTPA Cycles: Cycle 1 focuses on planning that is grounded in the assets and learning needs of K-12 students, state content standards, and English Language Development (ELD) standards. Cycle 2 focuses on a learning segment where informal assessments, a student self-assessment, and a formal assessment must be integrated.
No CalTPA Cycles are required prior to directed teaching.
Both CalTPA Cycles must be completed during directed teaching.
CalTPA enrollment and scoring is managed by Pearson, the same company that administers the CBEST, CSET, and RICA. You can register for the CalTPA by navigating to this hyperlink and scrolling to the bottom.
After registering for the CalTPA, you will obtain access to all CalTPA templates and can start taking the assessment. The assessment requires that candidates complete a series of narrative templates and upload lesson resources, student work samples, and video clips that include the candidate teaching in his or her student teaching or intern assignment.
The fee for the CalTPA is $300 ($150 per cycle). The fee is refundable during the 2023-2024 assessment season.
If candidates do not pass Cycle 1 or Cycle 2 of the CalTPA, they must first go through remediation and then retake the cycle. To learn more about remediation, please contact the Credentials Office. There is no limit to the number of times that a candidate can register for the CalTPA; however, please note that each time it is taken there is a $150 fee.

CalTPA Candidate Support
General overview and templates (unannotated)	Candidates have access to the CalTPA overview and all templates; however, you must register for the CalTPA online in order to review the actual materials that will be submitted to Pearson.
Sample parental consent form	If your assigned student teaching or intern school site requires parental consent forms for filming your CalTPA lessons, you may adapt or use this form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)	If you have questions, please review the FAQ. If you do not see your question in the FAQ, please contact Dr. Soodjinda at [email protected].

Updated August 2023

CTC guidelines re: BSR and SMC

Assembly Bill (AB 130) was passed in 2021 offering options to meet Subject Matter Competency (SMC) and the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). See PSA 23-04 and CTC Basic Skills Requirement.

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)

A bachelor's degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution meets the Basic Skills Requirement. CBEST is no longer required. For more information, visit CTC Basic Skills Requirement.

Subject Matter Competency (SMC)

See the following link from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) website for options to meet Subject Matter Competency (SMC). Chart of options from CTC

MULTIPLE SUBJECT CREDENTIAL

Options for meeting Subject Matter Competency (SMC):

California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects.
Meeting Subject Matter Competency (SMC) by degree major: To meet SMC by degree major for multiple subjects, the degree major listed on your transcript must be liberal studies, liberal arts, or elementary education.
SMC full coursework evaluation or combination of coursework and exams: See Subject Matter Domains. You can request a SMC course evaluation from your faculty advisor. Contact [email protected].
It is recommended to take the CSET: Multiple Subjects if you do not have a degree major in liberal studies, liberal arts, or elementary education.

EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL

Options for meeting the Subject Matter Competency (SMC):

California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Passing any CSET in the content areas used for a multiple or single subject credential
Meeting Subject Matter Competency (SMC) by Degree Major: The degree major must be aligned with one of the acceptable majors for the multiple subject or single subject credential. Please see Acceptable Majors for Single Subject (SS) and Multiple Subject (MS) Credentials and PSA 23-04. The current statutory language does not provide flexibility in closely related subjects.
SMC full coursework evaluation or combination of coursework and exams: See Subject Matter Domains. You can request a SMC course evaluation from your faculty advisor. Contact [email protected].

Directed Teaching (Traditional Student Teaching Pathway)

Directed teaching is the culminating field experience in Pacific Oaks’ preliminary credential programs. It is performed during the final semester once all other coursework has been scheduled for completion. Traditional student teaching is full-time and typically unpaid.

Credential candidates must have met all of the following pre-requisites in order to advance to directed teaching:

receive faculty advisor approval to begin directed teaching
satisfy the basic skills requirement
obtain a valid Certificate of Clearance or any other California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-issued permit
obtain a valid negative TB Test (current for 4 years)
demonstrate subject matter competence with passing CSET scores (#101, #102/214, 103)
maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above
show proof of at least one attempt of the complete RICA (all 3 subtests) (do not need to pass all or any subtests, but all subtests must be attempted at least once
verify completion of infant, child, adult CPR certification that meets the guidelines of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association (must be printed on card or certificate)
verify completion of the US Constitution requirement (see more details)
submit a Directed Teaching Application by the appropriate deadline
complete an interview with the fieldwork team.

Directed Teaching Application Deadlines for Pacific Oaks Students

To Student Teach During	Apply By	Testing Requirements
Fall Semester	March 1 (Please do not submit your application prior to February 15th)	Teacher candidates must have official passing CSET scores in hand by March 1. Please plan your test dates accordingly.
Spring Semester	October 1 (Please do not submit your application prior to September 15th)	Teacher candidates must have official passing CSET scores in hand by October 1. Please plan your test dates accordingly.

The directed teaching application can be found HERE and should be filled out no later than the above deadlines. Only complete applications will be accepted. A complete application is one in which all prerequisite examinations and credential items have been turned in to the credential analyst. Applications that are missing credential items or exam scores will not be considered. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Directed Teaching Applications

Student Teaching Application for all Credential Programs

Directed Teaching Handbook

Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credential Student Teaching Handbook

Directed Teaching (Traditional Student Teaching Pathway) FAQs

What is the traditional pathway?

A traditional preliminary credential program consists of three parts: 1) Program and credential coursework 2) Credential items (i.e. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements) and 3) Directed teaching. The traditional student teaching portion includes a full-time placement, which is typically unpaid. Faculty advisors serve as the primary resource for part one, whereas the credential analyst should be contacted for questions pertaining to parts two and three.

When can I do traditional student teaching?

Traditional studnet teaching is the culminating field experience in the credential program. Candidates will be ready to do traditional student teaching once all other coursework is scheduled for completion and the credential prerequisites have been met.

How long is traditional student teaching?

All credential candidates must student teach for a minimum of 600 hours, with a recommended 150 additional hours for candidates seeking a preliminary dual (multiple subject and mild/moderate education specialist) credential. Candidates are expected to maintain the same hours as the teacher of record (i.e., the mentor teacher). Traditional student teaching placements will begin on the first day of the district’s instructional calendar.

Do I need to find my own traditional student teaching placement?

No, Pacific Oaks College’s credential analyst works directly with school districts and/or sites to secure traditional student teaching placements for candidates. Self-placement is not allowed.

Can I complete traditional student teaching at the private school in which I currently work?

Yes, if you are currently the teacher of record in a self-contained classroom (grades K-12, but generally grades K-6), then you may be able to complete your traditional student teaching hours in that classroom. Prior to approving private school placements, the teacher credentialing program must review the demographics of the school to ensure that it is a "diverse school setting" that reflects California’s public schools. All candidates, including those placed in private schools, must complete 600 hours of directed teaching/clinical practice/supervised student teaching. If the private school does not meet the diversity requirements, then 150 hours of the required 600 hours must be completed in a diverse school setting (i.e. public or charter school). In addition, the private school must be accredited.

Intern Credential (Alternative Pathway)

The Intern Credential is an alternative route for candidates in graduate-level programs to obtain a Preliminary Teaching Credential. The Intern Credential allows candidates to complete their teacher preparation coursework concurrent with their first year or two in a paid teaching position. If the district has a teaching vacancy they cannot fill with a credentialed teacher, then a qualified preliminary credential candidate may be hired as an intern teacher. Intern teachers receive a full salary and benefits. In order to become eligible for an intern credential, candidates must meet the following pre-requisites and have a pending job offer at a public, charter, or nonpublic school. Nonpublic schools are private, nonsectarian and certified by the state of California to provide special education services to students based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Intern credentials are site-specific and cannot be issued for intern placements at private schools, unless they fall in the nonpublic category. The Credentials Office recommends candidates for intern credentials on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.

Candidates must have met all of the following pre-requisites in order to become intern eligible:

hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with official transcript on file
satisfy the basic skills requirement
submit a valid Certificate of Clearance or any other valid California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)‐issued permit
verify completion of U.S. Constitution requirement
fulfill 120-hour pre‐service requirement through the following coursework:
- ED 530 – Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy in a Diverse Classroom
- ED 531 - Teaching and Learning Methodologies for English Language Development
- SPED 563 – Teaching Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
demonstrate subject matter competence with passing CSET scores (#101, #102/214, 103)
maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (grades of “D” and “X” are not accepted)
submit a valid TB Test (skin tests are valid for 4 years, chest x-rays are valid for 8 years)
show proof of at least one attempt at the complete RICA (all 3 subtests). The RICA does not need to be passed, but all 3 subtests must be attempted at least once. Official score reports are required.

For questions, please contact [email protected].

Intern Application Request Form

Intern Handbook

Intern Credential Handbook

Intern Credential (Alternative Pathway) FAQs

When can I become eligible for an internship?

Candidates can become intern eligible as early as the start of their second semester at Pacific Oaks, but this is entirely dependent on how quickly they can complete their pre-requisites and obtain an intern position. Candidates should connect with the credential analyst as soon as possible to express their intent to become intern eligible. The credential analyst will work closely with the candidate to ensure they are meeting their intern pre-requisites.

How do I find an internship?

School districts, charter schools and county offices of education often post positions on job boards or EdJoin; private schools are not state-eligible to host intern teachers. Pacific Oaks does not facilitate intern placements.

Do I have to do direct student teaching if I am an intern?

All students must complete their Directed Teaching at Pacific Oaks. Students may do this in a Teacher Residency Model, in the University Intern model, or in the Traditional Student Teaching model. The course numbers for a University Intern will be different, but the content and requirements for Directed Teaching are the same, regardless of what pathway a teacher preparation candidate takes.

I’ve met all of the intern pre-requisites and I have an intern job offer. Now what?

Pacific Oaks will conduct a short interview and schedule an orientation session with the candidate and their employer. The credential analyst will then recommend the candidate to the CTC for an intern credential. If the intern credential is approved, the candidate will be assigned two support providers— one from the district (i.e., mentor teacher) and the other from Pacific Oaks (i.e., fieldwork supervisor). An intern credential is valid for two years, during which time the candidate must complete all of his/her coursework and credential items in order to be recommended for his/her preliminary teaching credential. The candidate must plan to stay with the host district until their Preliminary Credential has been earned.

Credential Recommendation Process for Pacific Oaks College Students

The following credential items must be completed and on file with the Pacific Oaks College Credentials Office in order to be recommended to the state of California for a Preliminary Teaching Credential:

bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with official transcript on file;
completion of basic skills requirement;
Certificate of Clearance or any other valid California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)‐issued permit;
valid negative TB test;
completion of U.S. Constitution requirement;
completion of subject matter competency requirement
certification of infant/child/adult CPR training that follows the guidelines of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association (must be printed on card/certificate)
passing RICA scores, and
passing TPA (cycle 1 and cycle 2) scores

All credential items must be valid at the time of credential recommendation.

Click HERE to complete a Credential Recommendation Application. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

At the end of the student teaching semester, the teacher candidate’s faculty advisor and the credential analyst will evaluate the candidate’s degree and credential requirements. If all requirements have been met, the credential analyst will recommend the candidate to the CTC for his/her credential. If there are outstanding credential requirements that have not been met, the credential analyst will notify the teacher candidate. Upon credential recommendation, the CTC will send the teacher candidate an email prompting payment. Payments are made directly to the CTC. Teacher candidates cannot receive their credential until they have paid for it on the CTC website. Once completed, candidates will be in the CTC database and listed publicly as a preliminary credential holder. All initial California teaching credentials are known as "preliminary." Candidates have five years to “clear” their credential. Some school districts will provide support but it is the candidate’s responsibility to fulfill the requirements to clear his/her credential within the allotted timeframe through participation in a Commission-approved Teacher Induction (2 year) program.

Support for Credential Students

Pacific Oaks College’s School of Education provides faculty advisors to prospective and current credential students. Please contact the appropriate faculty advisor based on your credential program.

Faculty Advisor	Assigned Credentials
Dr. Ruben Cortez	Elementary Education Credential
Dr. Marsha Swindler	Special Education Credential

A faculty advisor provides a proactive review of a student’s progress and addresses specific academic questions and/or concerns.

Please contact your faculty advisor if you require support with any of the following:

faculty and classroom concerns within the program;
matriculation plans and/or course mapping;
reviewing student grades and past academic performance;
discussing personal concerns that affect academic and professional progress;
skills assessment (if applicable);
course substitutions;
transcript evaluations to determine credential course equivalencies;
questions related to California teaching standards;
career planning in relation to past experiences, present needs, and future professional goals;
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) linked to job/career path; and
petition approval (as needed).

Please contact the Pacific Oaks credential analyst for any questions related to:

CBEST, CSET, RICA test preparation workshops and resources;
CalTPA workshops, enrollment, and scoring;
Student teaching applications and placement;
Credential requirements and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) policies;
Intern credential eligibility and pre-requisites; and
Intern and preliminary credential recommendation.

Resources

Through Pacific Oaks College:

Certificate of Clearance:

Certificate of Clearance Informational Flier

Government Resources:

External Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the CBEST?

The CBEST exam is the most common way to meet the Basic Skills Requirement; however, there are others ways to satisfy this requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667, entitled Basic Skills Requirement, for additional information. The CBEST may still be your best option as it is online and free.

Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree to earn a Preliminary Teaching Credential?

All California public school teachers must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in order to earn a teaching credential. Pacific Oaks College has several “blended” programs that allow candidates to complete an undergraduate degree and credential simultaneously – saving Pacific Oaks students time and money over students who pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by a credentialing program. For additional information regarding these programs please contact the Pacific Oaks Admissions department.

What is a TPA?

Education Code mandates that all teacher preparation programs implement a teaching performance assessment in addition to all other program and state requirements. Pacific Oaks College has adopted the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA) as its assessment. Similar to the CBEST, CSET or RICA, the CalTPA is a state-mandated exam. For more information on how Pacific Oaks College administers and evaluates the CalTPA please click here.

Does Pacific Oaks provide exam support?

The Pacific Oaks School of Education provides CBEST, CSET, RICA, and TPA resources for all students. Some of these are free and easily available on the internet, while others are offered at a cost through private test prep companies.

How do I clear my credential?

Individuals holding a Preliminary Teaching Credential are required to clear their credential within five years of the issuance date on the credential. Candidates must enroll in a Commission-approved induction program that is sponsored by, or that is in partnership with, the employing school district or county office of education. Unfortunately, at this time, Pacific Oaks College does not offer an induction program.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) provides comprehensive information on how preliminary credential holders can upgrade their credential to clear status. We encourage students to review the information contained in the links below.

Options for Earning a Multiple Subject Clear Teaching Credential

Options for Earning an Education Specialist Clear Teaching Credential

What grade levels can I teach with a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential versus a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential?

The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, TK-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. Most typically, however, multiple subject teachers work in elementary classrooms (K-6).

The Preliminary Education Specialist Credential (Mild/Moderate Disabilities) authorizes the holder to teach in grades K-12 and up to the age of 22.

What does “self-contained” mean?

Per the CTC, a self-contained classroom is one in which all, or most, subjects are taught to a group of children by the same teacher. Most elementary schools organize their classrooms in such a manner.

What does “Mild/Moderate” mean?

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild to Moderate Support Needs authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students’ access to the academic curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to students with mild to moderate support needs related to one or more of the following disabilities: autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury; in kindergarten, including transitional kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Directed Teaching (Traditional Student Teaching Pathway) FAQs

What is the traditional student teaching pathway?

A traditional preliminary credential program consists of three parts: 1) Program and credential coursework 2) Credential items (i.e. California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements) and 3) Student teaching. The student (directed) teaching portion includes a full-time placement, which is typically unpaid. Faculty advisors serve as the primary resource for part one, whereas the credential analyst should be contacted for questions pertaining to parts two and three.

When can I do directed teaching?

Directed teaching is the culminating field experience in the credential program. Candidates will be ready to participate in directed teaching once all other coursework is scheduled for completion and the credential prerequisites have been met.

How long is directed teaching?

All credential candidates must participate in directed teaching for a minimum of 600 hours, with a recommended 150 additional hours for candidates seeking a preliminary dual (multiple subject and mild/moderate education specialist) credential. Candidates are expected to maintain the same hours as the teacher of record (i.e., the mentor teacher). Traditional student teaching placements will begin on the first day of the district’s instructional calendar.

Do I need to find my own traditional student teaching placement?

No, Pacific Oaks College’s credential analyst works directly with school districts and/or sites to secure traditional student teaching placements for candidates. Self-placement is not allowed.

Can I get paid to do traditional student teaching?

To accommodate candidates for whom the traditional student teaching route would impose an undue hardship, the School of Education will consider long term substitute assignments (on a TPSL Permit) in lieu of unpaid traditional student teaching. Only Short-Term Staff Permits (STSP) or long term substitute permits (TPSL) are acceptable, and the assignment must span the entire traditional student teaching semester. Furthermore, the assignment must be in a classroom that is appropriate for the credential being sought.

A substitute position in which the candidate is employed on a 30-day sub permit does not qualify.

In order for a long term substitute assignment (TPSL permit only) to potentially meet the traditional student teaching requirement, a candidate a) must be eligible to enter the directed teaching portion of the program, b) complete an interview with the School of Education, and c) obtain permission from the associate dean.

The University Intern credential program is also an option for eligible candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Can I do traditional student teaching at the private school in which I currently work?

Candidates who are currently the teacher of record in self-contained classrooms (grades K-12, but generally grades K-6), may be able to complete their directed student teaching hours in their current assignment. Prior to approving private school placements, the teacher credentialing program must review the demographics of the school to ensure that it is a “diverse school setting” that reflects California’s public schools. All candidates, including those placed in private schools, must complete 600 hours of supervised student teaching. If the private school does not meet the diversity requirements, then 150 hours of the required 600 hours must be completed in diverse school setting (i.e. public or charter school). In addition, the private school must be accredited.

Intern Credential (Alternative Pathway) FAQs

When can I become eligible for an internship?

How do I find an internship?

Do I have to do directed student teaching if I am an intern?

I’ve met all of the intern pre-requisites and I have an intern job offer. Now what?

Pacific Oaks will conduct a short interview and schedule an orientation session with candidates and their employer. The credential analyst will then recommend candidates to the CTC for an intern credential. If the intern credential is approved, candidates will be assigned two support providers— one from the district (i.e., mentor teacher) and the other from Pacific Oaks College (i.e., fieldwork supervisor). An intern credential is valid for two years, during which time candidates must complete all of their coursework and credential items in order to be recommended for their preliminary teaching credential.